PLANS to build a supermarket and takeaway at a student complex in Crewe look like being given the go-ahead.

Middlewich-based Pochin Development Ltd has negotiated a 30-year lease with university chiefs for the site and hopes to build a takeaway, retail outlet and supermarket as part of Cheshire Manchester Metropolitan University's new student village in Crewe Green Road.

The company is working closely with Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council on its plans to develop alongside the Crewe Green link road.

The developments are part of an 800-room block for students attending the MMU.

A decision is due from planning committee members at their meeting on Tuesday.

A report from planning officers recommends permission is granted on the grounds that the largest unit can only be used as a small supermarket as stated in the application.

The report states: 'There are no houses located nearby to be affected by the development. It is recommended that conditions be attached to any consent to specifically limit the use of the larger unit to the supermarket.'

MMU chiefs are expecting a big influx of young people joining the university as the site expands and the Alsager campus closes.

They believe modern facilities for students will help put Crewe on the map as a university town.

They plan to close the Alsager campus and centralise the university's operation in Crewe as part of an investment programme over the next 10 years.

Pochin also aims to use a slice of the 12-acre site next to Bannatyne's on Crewe Green Road for building offices, a pub and budget hotel.

Economists believe it will be a boost to trade, with students spending their money in Crewe shops and at the Crewe Central Leisure Park under construction in Eaton Street.

Construction will be completed in time for the new intake of students in September 2005.